This Grit and Grace Life

Mommin’ ain’t easy, friends! The days can be long while the years are incredibly short. There may be days you feel like you’re not doing it “right” (really, who is?). Or that you’re the reason your kid(s) are going to be messed up (not true!). Just give us a few minutes to remind you that you’re not alone and you are without a doubt, doing it well. Darlene shares insight as a mom of two grown daughters while Julie, recently a single mom, confesses some of her mom guilt. We also take some time to talk about the annual celebration of Mother’s Day. You may love it or dread it; your family might be the one to make it challenging. However you approach this day, kick your feet up Mom, this one's for you. If you’re not a mom, share this one with someone who is, she likely needs the boost! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while but their hearts forever" Unknown Be sure to follow us on social media! Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to Can You Really Leave Your Past Behind You? - 028 to hear more of Julie's story with her Mom, and Mama Drama Every Woman Has and How to Overcome - 008. Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Have you noticed that sometimes women say one thing and mean another? At least, your co-hosts do! We’re decoding some pop-culture phrases (filling you in on where they came from) and poking fun at the way we can completely confuse the opposite gender with our “womenspeak.” As you may have noticed, our own Julie Graham has her well-used catch-phrases. So, in this episode, Darlene adds to the “what we say” conversation by asking her to share her top 5 personal mantras and how you can apply them to your grit and grace life! This one has lots of laughs, and a few vulnerable moments too! If you haven't yet listened to Julie share more from her childhood, be sure to go back and listen to 028: Can You Really Leave Your Past Behind You? – 028. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "This day has never been lived, so tap into your grit and grace and be bold and just be you." Julie Graham Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife You'll also enjoy this episode: Quotes You Need to Apply to Your Grit and Grace Life - 007.

Are you navigating the single scene? Do your emotions range from fear to embarrassment at the thought of trying online dating? Author of the book “Beyond the Swipe,” Kristin Fry joins Darlene (married for a million years, her words) and Julie (a newly single widow after her 15-year relationship) to discuss navigating the digital dating waters in an honorable way. In a warm, conversational style, Fry’s book tackles a broad range of topics from evaluating profiles to first dates to maintaining healthy peer friendships even while dating. In this episode, the three engage in enlightening, encouraging and entertaining girl talk about the single scene today. Since your co-hosts learned a lot about this subject, they are sure you will too. This one is a great episode to share with a single friend you know-it could help! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Kristin by finding her on Facebook and Instagram. You can get her book, here!     Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love You'll also enjoy this episode: When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship With Your Man (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) – 024 Quote of the episode: "If he doesn't bring out the best in you, he's not the best for you" Kristin Fry Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Men—we work with them, date them, marry them but do we know how to get along with them? Part of being a strong woman is appreciating the prospect of having healthy relationships with the men in our life. But in today’s climate, it seems like that’s a challenge! When did men get such a bad rep’ anyway? Whether we’re talking friends, coworkers, neighbors, family or every other dude you do life with; we want to learn to have good connections with them. We respect and appreciate guys for who they are, and we love that our genders are different! In this episode, Darlene and Julie discuss the keys to developing meaningful relationships with all the men in your grit and grace life. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Real men don't love the most beautiful girl in the world, they love the girl who can make their world the most beautiful" Be sure to follow us on social media! Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship With Your Man (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) – 024 and What You Need to Know About Sexual Harassment – 014. Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

“I could never achieve that” or “I can’t do it because of X, Y, and Z” or “This feels impossible” These are phrases we all have spoken to ourselves when faced with a challenge or offered an opportunity. Today you can begin to change your thinking and by doing so, make a difference. Are you considering building a business, a career change, does your marriage feel hopeless, have a wayward teen or an unexpected health concern? This episode explores the line between impossible and improbable. Darlene, (the queen of seeing life as an opportunity, not a challenge) walks us through combining your natural talent and desires to take one step toward your goals or dreams. Julie asks the questions you likely have, offering insights she gained when facing what many would consider an impossibly hard childhood. Be encouraged, as you walk this life with grit and grace. You will find that the dreams you have are possible and life challenges can be overcome! It may be improbable, but nothing is impossible. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.     Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful" John Wooden Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Working mom = a stellar juggling act, guilt every time a ball is dropped and the pressure from an audience who tells you how it should be done. Working moms, you’re not alone. Most mothers today work outside the home and all share the same challenges, disappointments and fears that strike without warning. But take heart! Darlene (who has walked this road and launched two adult daughters), and Julie, (who's in the thick of it with you) share encouragement, honest struggles and how they deal, all while laughing at the journey we call working motherhood. Know this: we think you're doing a kick-butt job, both at work and at home! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to To the Working Woman: A How-To Guide for the Workplace – 023.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "A child's real 'first' happens in front of Mommy" Author unknown Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Easter is packed with overflowing baskets, Easter egg hunts, and fashionable attire, yet this day is so much more. We don’t want to let the fun activities become the essence of this holiday. If we do, we’re missing it. Taking a few moments to reflect on “the big day” of their faith, Darlene and Julie share personal thoughts, what it means to each of them and the hope this day can provide for all. And yes, they do throw in their favorite Easter traditions, too! You might want to review some of the passages we discussed on your own. Check out Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 21:4 Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love We mentioned Darlene's three-part faith series, click the image to read each of the three articles. Quote of the episode: "'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4   Be sure to follow us on social media! And if you want to ask any questions, be sure to email podcast@thegritandgraceproejct.org or find us individually: Darlene here, or Julie here. Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Are you afraid your teen may be out of control? Or, is their behavior typical teenage boundary-pushing? When do you know that enough is enough and things have to change? These questions often consume the mind of a mom with a pre-teen or teenager. To determine when to draw a line, Darlene and Julie brought back our trusted friend and Licensed Therapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw. This family therapist of 16 years discusses when you need to give your teen room to make mistakes to learn from them, or how to recognize that the time has come to step in and intervene. If you have a teen (or will one-day), this must listen to episode is filled with the answers you need. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Julie encouraged you to go back and make sure you listen to the last episode with Dr. Zoe, When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship With Your Man (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) – 024 and you'll also really benefit from another episode where teens are the focus, Sneaky Teen Texting Trends You Need to Know About – 006. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong." Narayana Murthy Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Looking for a friend, or even better, a really good one? We need people who will love us throughout the highs and lows of our lives, encouraging us when we're strong, carrying us when we're weak. What kind of friend do you want to be? What kind of qualities make a friendship meaningful and strong? Darlene and Julie, girlfriends who cross generational lines, talk about relationships they cherish and why, and practical ways you can be this kind of friend. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Once you're done with this episode, you'll want to go back and listen to Grit, Grace & Girlfriends: How to Make Healthy Relationships – 003. You'll find the list of the qualities discussed in this episode detailed in the first article link below!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quotes of the episode: "Friends are the bacon bits in the salad bowl of life" "The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." Elizabeth Foley Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

How can a woman lead in every area of her life? Do you feel like you make an impact? Is leadership only for the workplace? We know that all women have influence in every area of their life, so we brought in Author, Leadership Expert, and CEO Jenni Catron. From the day she got her first job (her boss was none other than your co-host Darlene Brock), Jenni has proven that she has the formula for leadership... Darlene and Julie interview her about the six characteristics you may not even know you have that make you strong. A must-listen episode for strong women, and those who want to be. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. You can follow Jenni by visiting her site or finding her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. You can also purchase her book The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Many women live like it's a dress rehearsal. Ladies, the curtain is up and you're on." Mikki Taylor Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Are you like Julie, a card-carrying extrovert or a completely comfortable introvert? Maybe you’re a bit like Darlene, the self-diagnosed extroverted-introvert? Not sure where you land, introvert or extrovert? Consider taking this test from Psychology Today! Probably like most of us, when it comes to these labels we just feel lost. This week we’re talking about how each trait is different, the pros and cons of both, and ways to interact with every personality in your life. We’re also sharing some funny conversation starters that will have you rolling. Here are a few of the conversation starters we discussed that would be perfect to use at a party: "What would you do with an extra $1,000?" "Toilet paper, over or under?" "In 40 years what will people be nostalgic for?" "Would you rather never be stuck in traffic or never get another cold?" And as promised, here are a few we didn't share on the show: "Is a hotdog a sandwich?" "Would you rather have a live-in massage therapist or a live-in chef?" Viewing in an app? Full show notes here.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love   Quote of the episode: "A flower doesn't think of competing with the flower next to it. It just spends time blooming. " Zen Shin   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

There are days we love remembering wonderful moments that have passed. But there are other times the past invades our lives, affecting how we live and react today. We find our grit and grace when discovering how to determine our future while learning powerful lessons from our past. In this episode Darlene takes a little time to talk to Julie about a past that could have determined the course of Julie’s life but did not. You may have come to relate to our outspoken, bubbly and transparent co-host, but what you may not know is some of the hardship she's had to overcome. Listen in and see if you can't learn to leave some of your past behind you, too. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Julie encouraged you to go back and make sure you listen to our recent episode on optimism; The Benefits of Optimism in the Grit and Grace Life – 025.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be." Sonia Ricotti   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Are you a Valentine’s Day lover or hater? Can’t wait for the presents even if you may think it’s over-commercialized (what holiday isn’t?). Or does it trigger feelings of loneliness, an unnecessary reminder for those who are single (enter Galentine’s Day - our new fave)? Whether you plan to celebrate or not, Darlene and Julie spend a little bit of time to find the good in this day of love. Offering a fresh take on gifts to give and get, dates to enjoy with lovers (or your gal-pals) and of course, a little girl talk that might sound straight-up TMI. Here’s to a Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." Charles M. Schultz Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

It’s the Mom juggle - work, activities, shopping, cooking, tantrums and mood swings to manage (yours and your kids! Ha!). Keeping up with all.the.things... How can one woman do it? Darlene (Mom to two grown girls and Nonie to a grandson) and Julie (recent single mom to a “threenager”) share helpful hacks that will save you time and sanity. We all agree, “mommin’ ain’t easy” but it is rewarding! Let this episode entertain and inspire you with a few shortcuts and remember that you got this, Mom! Be sure to check out Darlene’s nephew’s company, (which was one of our hacks) home of handy items to keep your kids legos (and plenty of other toys for that matter) under control - you can find them here on Amazon Creative QT! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "My kids call it 'yelling' when I raise my voice. I call it motivational speaking for the selective listener." Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Want to live longer? Research tells us that optimism holds the key, and it also says that our gender is the most optimistic. So, are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of gal? In this episode Darlene and Julie remind each other how important it is to look for the good, even when you’re facing difficult circumstances. They take a little time to explore some practical ways you can do that for yourself and when needed, be that voice in the lives of your friends. Because, hey, today is a gift and if you are that glass-half-full kind of gal you will have a whole lot more good ones yet to come. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. (We also suggested you read some of our articles addressing anxiety or depression if you're struggling with either of those difficult scenarios, which understandably make it hard to be optimistic.)   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love We mentioned Darlene's three-part faith series, click the image to read each of the three articles. Quote of the episode: "Optimism: Someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's more like a cha-cha." Robert Brault Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife